Laser hair removal – and procedures akin to this, such as those employing IPL – are becoming more and more popular because they are, for the most part, quite effective in the long term and relatively painless (or convenient) in comparison with alternative hair removal methods. Unfortunately, things sometimes go wrong, and this raises an important question: what can you do about it?
About five years ago laser hair removal treatment was de-regulated, which means that any unqualified person is legally allowed to perform such procedures – procedures that don’t go without risk. You’re dealing with laser, which means you’re basically burning parts of the body. As expected, there are more and more hair removal injury claims over the years. If you have been a victim, this one’s for you: how a solicitor can help you with your claim for a laser burn injury.
The industry is not regulated, but business in general is
Let’s qualify this properly: although the industry is not regulated, there are still clauses in the law which state that, when you go for treatment, the business is still obligated to do everything in its power to ensure your safety and your well-being. Hence, there are certain procedures you are entitled to (and should get) before you undergo actual treatment. You need to know:
- What the procedure does, and what its negative effects might be
- Alternatives to the procedure
- Reasonable expectations as to the result
Establishing negligence
Negligence means the actions – or often the failure of actions – that were done that could have prevented the accident. If you can prove that the beautician did something, or failed to do something which should have been done, then that amounts to negligence.
Making a claim
Making a claim for burns from laser hair removal and other laser treatment injuries involves documenting what has happened, how it happened, and what the results were. When you make a claim, you are holding someone responsible, and you should make sure you have the proper documentation to back up your claims.
You should consult a legal professional if you have been a victim of a burn wound due to laser treatment, for several reasons. First of all, you are entitled to sound legal advice, and this can only be received with the assistance of a solicitor. Many of them will work on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you have nothing to lose. Secondly, a legal advisor can help you with the procedural aspects and in gathering the evidence you need to establish your claim. They can also evaluate your claim and give you realistic expectations on how much you can receive. Thirdly, and perhaps equally important, you have the duty to prevent similar incidents from happening to other customers. Those who are legally liable should be held accountable, after all.